BORO wing wonder Adam Johnson can be an England star of the future, according to Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd.

Johnson, two weeks into a three-month loan stint at Watford, is greatly impressing the management and fans at Vicarage Road.

Watford boss Boothroyd reckons the 20-year-old from Easington can be a star of the future both at club and international level.

He said: “Adam needs to be playing regularly and needs a good couple of seasons under his belt.

“But once he becomes a regular and he learns the game he can become a really big star. I honestly believe that.

“Stewart Downing is a terrific player but Adam has something a bit different.

“He is here at Watford because Stewart is in the Middlesbrough team, that is the only reason he is not in their side. He has a lot of talent.”

The physical nature of Championship football means Johnson is being forced to grow up quickly and Boothroyd believes that can only benefit him.

He said: “Like a lot of young lads who come through the academy system, Adam needs the next level of education - which is playing men's football. He is learning what it is to be battered about. He was whacked a few times in our 1-1 draw at QPR, expected to get free-kicks and didn’t.

“He is a terrific character to work with and he wants to get better. He’s still growing so he will be a big guy.

“The Championship is a rough league but he is dealing with it.”

Boro could have done with Johnson in their squad at Spurs on Wednesday but the rules state that players can not be recalled during the first 28 days on a three-month loan move.